Cobb County officials are working on a plan to open commissary services near Dobbins Air Reserve Base early next year under a joint-venture project for service members, military veterans and their families.
The sun sets behind the control tower at Dobbins Air Reserve Base on Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, in Marietta, Ga. David Tulis / AJC Special
Cobb Chamber of Commerce CEO David Connell said last week the chamber, county leaders and the federal agency that operates commissaries on military bases are working to open a facility that would offer sales of discounted groceries and personal care items one weekend per month. The facility at an as-yet-undisclosed location is expected to open in January.
Fort Gillem and Fort McPherson used to offer full commissaries, but their operations closed following a military streamlining process that forced the closure of both Army posts.
Commissaries offer substantial discounts for active-duty service members, retirees and their families. It’s considered part of the overall compensation package for members of the nation’s armed services.
Connell said the chamber and joint-venture partnership hopes to eventually expand the facility’s operating days to two weekends a month and to include veterans’ assistance services.
Cobb County is home to about 50,000 veterans, Connell said, and Dobbins is key to the region's economy. Though it does not offer a commissary, the region's veterans and active-duty service members have missed having one in the greater Atlanta area.
Read more about Dobbins and the group of metro Atlanta business and political leaders looking to expand its mission and protect the base from any potential budget cuts.
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